Behavioral intervention to reduce sleep medication misuse in the elderly

Brief Intervention for Reducing Prolonged Use of Sleep Medication Among Elderly

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital, Akershus · NCT06032715

This study is testing a new way for doctors to help older patients use sleep medications safely and reduce misuse compared to regular care.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages60 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Akershus Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lørenskog)
Trial IDNCT06032715 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of a behavioral Brief Intervention administered by trained general practitioners to reduce the misuse of Z-hypnotics among elderly patients in primary care. It is a randomized controlled trial with two arms: one receiving the intervention and the other receiving standard care. The study will assess outcomes at 6 weeks, with additional follow-ups at 6 months and 12 months to evaluate long-term effects. Baseline assessments will utilize self-reports and actigraphy to measure sleep patterns without bias.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are elderly individuals who self-report using Z-hypnotics more than 4 days a week for over 4 weeks.

Not a fit: Patients with diagnoses of dementia, psychosis, major depression, or delirium will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce harmful use of sleep medications in the elderly, improving their overall health and cognitive function.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with behavioral interventions for medication misuse, suggesting a promising approach in this context.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Self-reported use of Z-hypnotics \> 4 days per week and \> 4 weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

* diagnosis of dementia,
* diagnosis of psychosis,
* diagnosis of major depression,
* diagnosis of delirium,
* unable to give informed consent,
* insufficient Norwegian language capacity to complete tests

Where this trial is running

Lørenskog

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Harmful Use of HypnoticZ-hypnoticsinsomniasleepside effectscognitive functionpainbehavioral intervention
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.